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Mission Statement

As part of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute’s mission is to “conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and requirements of the blind.”

Write the Vision: Monthly Resources—August

Write the Vision provides resources with a specific focus and theme that corresponds with the time of year. Use these resources in your community outreach to educate African Americans about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams.

You Have Your Mother’s Eyes

Keep good vision in the family with a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
We don’t just inherit the shape or color of our eyes from our parents. We inherit their eye health, too. And, especially for African Americans, your family tree can put you at risk for glaucoma.

Glaucoma can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated, but half of the people with the disease don’t know they have it. So, don’t wait until you notice vision problems to see your eye care professional. Protect your sight by getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year.

Share this important message in your community by distributing the following materials:

Article

Use this article in any of your publications or newsletters to educate people about eye health. You can copy and paste the text into a new document or download and use the file as is.

Fact sheet

Infographics

Share these infographics with your networks, community leaders, and partner organizations. Print and place the infographics in common areas, post on your website and social media pages, and encourage others to do the same.

Slide/flyer

Please share this slide/flyer with the people in your community. Include it in presentations and weekly congregational announcements, place in common areas, and post on your website and social media pages.

Featured resource

Social media posts for August

Here are the Write the Vision social media posts for August. We hope you are as excited as we are to share them. Get the word out in the community by sharing these posts about healthy vision. Join the national conversation by using the hashtag #MyHealthyEyes.

Facebook posts

Right-click to download the image

Twitter posts

Glaucoma has no early warning signs, and half of those with glaucoma don’t know they have it. Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be restored, but early detection and treatment can help save sight. Learn more: http://www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma

#Glaucoma has no early warning signs, and half of those with glaucoma don’t know they have it. Learn more: http://1.usa.gov/1xn1S95

This year’s family reunion is a great time to get your family health history updated. African Americans are at higher risk for certain eye diseases, like glaucoma, especially when there’s a family history. Learn other risk factors: https://www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma/

Update your family health history at this year’s reunion. #AfricanAmericans are at higher risk for #glaucoma. More: http://ow.ly/m1rO30e398b